A “New York style” barbershop will open alongside Kitchen No. 324 on the ground floor when the Braniff Building reopens this winter.

The Braniff Building at 324 N Robinson Ave. was empty for more than a quarter-century when it was acquired by SandRidge Energy and included in the company's SandRidge Commons headquarters development.

A large steel pavilion now connects the 29-story SandRidge Tower with the Braniff Building, which is getting a new modern glass facade on the former alley side of the 11-story building.Photo by Steve Lackmeyer, The Oklahoman

The Barber Salon, operated by Jamie Rush, previously operated in the troubled First National Center in a barbershop space that dated to 1931. She left First National as the property's owner faced sentencing for fraud in Nevada and questions swirled around whether it would end up in the control of a receiver.

Rush said The Barber Salon will be operated as a “New York style” barbershop providing men's haircuts and straight razor shaves.

“Our desire in the development of the Commons has been to welcome the public into this inviting space by increasing foot traffic and retail space at the pedestrian level around the Commons,” said Greg Dewey, vice president of communications and community relations at SandRidge. “We believe it is a great fit for this historic landmark. The Barber Salon has developed an extensive clientele, and we believe that the convenience of being at ground level will be attractive to both downtown employees and residents.”

Changes take shape

Renovations on the Braniff Building began last year. The original deep red color of the brick was re-exposed after gray paint was removed, and the west facade is being restored while a modern facade is being added to the former alley facade facing east.

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by Steve Lackmeyer

Business Reporter

Steve Lackmeyer is a reporter and columnist who started his career at The Oklahoman in 1990. Since then, he has won numerous awards for his coverage, which included the 1995 bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, the city's Metropolitan...